This summer, I hiked the Te Araroa Trail and had a harrowing experience in the Richmond Ranges. I’ll never forget. One day, while hiking alone, I rounded a corner and found an almost unconscious hiker lying on the trail. He was in bad shape, pale, sweaty, and in excruciating stomach pain. He had blood in his stool earlier that morning and had been trying to make his way out to get help. His condition was too severe to continue. He could hardly speak, and his breathing was shallow and labored.

As a nurse, I’m used to emergency situations, but being in the wilderness makes everything feel different. I knew I couldn’t move him because of his pain. So, I immediately activated my Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and tried to keep him awake. I spoke to him calmly, trying to reassure him, despite feeling incredibly nervous myself. I asked about any allergies or medications, just in case his condition worsened. Though it was painful for him to talk. I kept the conversation going, telling him random things to ensure he stayed conscious.

Fortunately, within about 20 minutes, a rescue helicopter arrived. A team member descended on a zipline, administered strong painkillers, and helped the hiker into the helicopter for an emergency evacuation to the hospital. I watched as they flew him out, feeling a rush of relief knowing that help had arrived.

Once the helicopter was out of sight, I continued my hike alone to the next hut, where I shared the story with some other hikers. Talking about it helped me process the experience. I also took the opportunity to tell anyone I met who didn’t have a PLB how essential it is to carry one, especially in remote areas.

Although I felt fine afterward, the memories still resurface sometimes when I’m hiking alone in the bush and turning a corner. Makes me wonder if I’ll encounter another emergency. The adrenaline rush of that moment stays with me. I’m grateful for the training and knowledge that helped me stay calm and act in the face of danger.